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St. Louis (63-65) at Tampa Bay (61-66)
- When: Aug 21 2025, 7:35 PM
- Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
- Where to watch: FDSSUN
Cardinals vs. Rays: The "Who Wants It Less?" Bowl
Moneyline: St. Louis (-119)
Runline: St. Louis -1.5 (+143)
Total: 8.5
The St. Louis Cardinals are -119 moneyline favorites, and the total is set at 8.5 runs. On paper, this matchup looks like two teams fighting for playoff spots. In reality, it’s two clubs clinging to mathematical hope and caffeine, hoping their seasons don’t fizzle out before Labor Day.
St. Louis Cardinals: Birds of Prey or Birds of Meh?
The Cardinals sit at 63-65, which is the baseball version of eating plain oatmeal, not terrible, not great, but deeply unsatisfying. They’ve been especially shaky on the road with a 28-35 record, but here’s the kicker: when they out-hit their opponent, they’re nearly unbeatable (42-12). So the strategy is simple, hit the ball more than the other guys. Genius.
Sonny Gray (11-6, 4.30 ERA) gets the nod, and while he hasn’t exactly been Cy Young, he’s still been St. Louis’ best option. The Cards’ offense has leaned on Alec Burleson’s .284 batting average and Pedro Pages, who has been hotter than a Florida sidewalk lately, hitting .438 over his last 10 games.
Tampa Bay Rays: Sunshine, Slumps, and Sadness
The Rays are 61-66 overall and a perfectly average 32-32 at home. If mediocrity were a trophy, Tampa Bay would already have it polished and displayed. Their bats have been sluggish lately, hitting just .228 over the last 10 games, while their pitching staff has been busy serving up runs like a concession stand, posting a 5.69 ERA.
Joe Boyle (1-2, 4.68 ERA) takes the mound, and if his name sounds like a guy who should be working the fryer at Chick-fil-A instead of starting MLB games, you’re not alone. At least Junior Caminero has given Rays fans something to cheer about with his 35 homers, but one man slugging can’t cover a whole roster of cold bats.
Prediction: Comedy of Errors in Tampa
Neither team has been playing well lately, both are 4-6 in their last 10, but somebody has to win. The Cardinals have more firepower and a slightly steadier starter in Gray, while the Rays look like they’re counting down the days until football season.
Final Score Prediction: Cardinals 6, Rays 4
Bets Bet: St. Louis (-119)
Total: Over 8.5 (-108)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
